Proposed Cuts to WIC Benefits Under Trump Administration

The Trump administration has proposed significant reductions to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) in its fiscal year 2027 budget request. Specifically, the proposal seeks to decrease the monthly cash-value benefits for fruits and vegetables by as much as 75 percent. Currently, WIC provides $26 per month for children, $48 for pregnant and postpartum participants, and $52 for breastfeeding participants. If enacted, the new benefit levels would drop to $10 for children and $13 for breastfeeding participants.

Newsweek

WIC is a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that supports low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under five. Nutrition experts have linked WIC to improved dietary intake and better health outcomes for children. The proposed cuts could significantly limit access to fresh produce for families who depend on these benefits, potentially undermining the program's effectiveness.

Newsweek

Congress has previously rejected similar proposals to cut WIC benefits, instead opting to increase funding for the program. The National WIC Association has indicated that the proposed reductions could result in a loss of $1.4 billion in fruit and vegetable benefits for approximately 5.4 million parents and young children. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has criticized the proposal, stating that it would render the funding insufficient to meet the needs of all anticipated participants.

Newsweek

In response to the proposed budget cuts, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities remarked, "President Trump’s fiscal year 2027 budget calls for sharply reducing the fruit and vegetable component of WIC’s food benefits for new and expecting parents and young children." They further emphasized the adverse impact these cuts would have on families relying on WIC.

Newsweek

As the fiscal year 2027 budget proposal moves through Congress, lawmakers will review, modify, and vote on the spending bills before the new fiscal year begins on October 1. Until any changes are enacted, the current benefit levels for fiscal year 2026 will remain in effect. Additionally, state agencies are continuing to implement updates to WIC food packages, which include expanding allowable forms of fruits and vegetables.

Newsweek

While the proposed cuts have drawn significant criticism, the administration has also suggested a $500 million increase to WIC's contingency fund. This dual approach has led to mixed reactions regarding the overall impact of the budget proposal on the program's future.

Newsweek

• "President Trump’s fiscal year 2027 budget calls for sharply reducing the fruit and vegetable component of WIC’s food benefits for new and expecting parents and young children." — Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

Newsweek

• "We estimate the proposed cut would take away $1.4 billion in fruit and vegetable benefits from about 5.4 million parents and young children." — Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

Newsweek